Spiritual Awareness

Universal Life Church Seminary

Attention: Amy Long

Insights into Spiritual Awareness

As I began taking this course, I was not prepared for the insights that would be given to me in my personal spiritual journey. One of the topics that really helped me on my sacred path is the section regarding the Eighth insight. I discovered through this topic in the course an issue that I struggle with and a need to overcome it in order to help other congregants in my capacity as a spiritual counselor. Through this experience, I was led to begin a step study for codependents. Twelve women have joined me on this venture, congregants within my immediate ministerial capacity. We are working through the twelve steps created by the founders of Alcoholics Anonymous however; we are using the materials created by John Baker’s A Purpose Driven Ministry Resource Guide, a recovery program based on eight principles from the Beatitudes. At this stage, we have worked through the first participant’s guide, which includes the first three steps and I, and these benevolent women have discovered many important spiritual truths in our personal struggles with co-dependency. As a group, we have grown closer to one another and closer to Spirit because of taking this leap forward in our personal growth.

I realized through this part of the course that I was struggling with an addiction to people. This carries into every area of my life and as a minister an area that I must deal with in order to be of greatest service to my fellows. It is another step towards spiritual freedom and liberation for me. As I know the importance of engaging in my own evolution, but have a tendency to put that to the side to help others, which is a selfless quality, a merit in one respect, but one that needs to be in balance and harmony with my spiritual ascension and evolution.

I further realized that I was having issues in my romantic life because of this problem, issues in my marriage, that I certainly contributed to as a result of being completely addicted to my spouse who struggles with various forms of addiction, though is in recovery. It led me to look into myself and to find answers to the questions of why the bliss of our initial love relationship had turned into turmoil, chaos and conflict and what my part of the conflicts were and most importantly what Spirit could reveal to me in this regard and how I could seek to recover from these patterns. I realized that I dependently so relied upon the energy of my spouse. When he stopped sending that energy in the initial full force that began our love relationship I began to seek to control him and in effect repelled his energy, forced it away and we each somewhat pulled apart from one another thus the oneness we initially shared was crushed.

Thus, resulting in power struggles, and conflicts, many issues, and distance, withdrawal, retreating, arguing, disharmony, among many other forms of overwhelm, stress and burden. He turned to addictive traits and solutions that offered initial promise from his pain but began to quit working and I continued to try to control, manipulate, lecture, teach, and thus creating more distance, withdrawing and pulling back of energy and attention.

I discovered many truths about addictions from this course. I grew up in an alcoholic family, as my father was a practicing alcoholic in the formative years of my life. When I turned sixteen, he got sober through the assistance of a treatment facility, counseling, alcoholics anonymous and spiritual beliefs and practices. I knew about chemically addictive personalities and traits, and problems. I knew how these affected family members through my association with twelve step programs over the years. What I had not considered was the greater range of addictive issues and so this course lead me to seeking what might be affecting my husband, what issues were causing his addictive and compulsive tendencies and I began to pray about the issues that Spirit revealed to me through my search for higher truth and solutions.

As I uncovered the truths through the guidance of Spirit, I tried discussing them with my spouse but he was not ready to deal with these issues and was very much in denial. I knew that I could not make him see the Light in the circumstance. However, I also knew as a Minister of Light that I could pray for him regarding these issues. I could ask others to pray for him. Therefore, I did pray that Spirit would reveal these truths to him in such a way that he could no longer be blinded to the truth, in such a way that the revelations would come through Spirit and not me. I prayed that the chains would be broken, the karmic ties, bonds would be severed and cut and in such a way that he was revealed to himself and others, thereby being accountable not to just me, but to others, and to Spirit. This miracle happened, and the way it happened was not by coincidence or happenstance, but was indeed the divine intervention that I prayed for and that others prayed for on our behalf. His behaviors were revealed in such a way, that I could not have created it or thought it up, or plotted, controlled, in anyway, as the Divine has a perfect plan for us all, if we can just be patient and wait on the Divine to act on our behalf. J

I have begun to give him the freedom to recover in his own way and pace, and to accept where he is and who he is in this moment and each moment. This has given me more time and freedom to focus my attention on my own actions, reactions, thoughts, feelings, and to be free from having to try to control things I cannot control anyway. I realized that my struggle for control really kept my spouse from getting the recovery he needed, because I was in Spirit’s way, as I was not allow the synchronicities of the Universe to come into play.

Today I do not have to get my energy from my spouse, or any other person. I am not focused on the actions of others, I am less sensitive to what others say, and I am more open and receptive to allowing others to get close to me. I have addressed my issues of control and realized that I have control over nothing that another person does and my attempts to control were misguided, and ineffective, and harmful to others and me. My life is no longer on hold; rather I am progressing spiritually at an accelerated rate. I am no longer tired all the time or feeling lifeless and drained, I am full of life, aliveness and energy. I feel like enormous burdens have been lifted from my soul. Thank you so much for this awakening. I have given up my unrealistic expectations of others and myself and this is so freeing to be able to accept others not as I would have them, but the way they are and the beauty is I am able to see their divine perfection rather than character flaws and defects.

I realized my completeness, wholeness, comes from Spirit, not from others. My spouse and I are closer than we have ever been. We are praying together and choosing things that bring us closer and illuminating things that cause us to separate and pull away from one another. We are each developing a deeper sense of self, and of compassion and understanding for one another’s struggles and the pain, we have caused one another through our power struggles and conflicts, and destructive behaviors. We are no longer pulling one another away from our individual evolution but enhancing one another’s spiritual growth and this is a miraculous indescribably wonderful adventure.

Rather than focusing on physical intimacy, we have begun to focus on inner intimacy, revealing ourselves totally and completely, and talking, sharing our wants, needs, desires and dreams. We understand one another on the inside, developing a deeper sense of one another’s well-being so that we can move upward, and onward forward on our sacred journey together. We are in counseling together working on having a deeper more intimate physical and romantic relationship doing healing work individually and together. He is participating and leading a men’s step study for men struggling with life issues and addictions of broad scales. Through these constructive actions, we are developing a strong spiritual connection, without power struggle, rather accord, having a close relationship, greater than what either of us thought was possible.

I decided that can live with or without the marriage, but I wanted it, but free from having to fill myself with his energy, and I relinquished control over his actions to Spirit and to his accountability partners, trusting that Spirit will act on both of our behalf leading him and us to our highest, best good. I am choosing to stay centered in my own energy and life. I have had victory over my tendency to control, over my angry outbursts, and manipulation tactics for about three months. I do not have to create crisis, chaos or drama to get what I want, I simply share my feelings honestly and openly with respect and dignity. I am detached from his problems most of the time.

Thank you so much for the insights and awareness of these issues through this course. It has helped me tremendously in my marriage and my relationships with others in my community, spiritual life. I no longer feel the burden of the problems of others, and am able to allow Spirit to guide my steps and trust that Spirit will help others with their problems as well. Blessings be upon you in the greatest measure.

Love and Light,

Rev. Tracey Loper

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The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have classes in Christianity, Wicca, Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more. I have been a proud member of the ULC for many years and the Seminary since its inception.

The Universal Life Church offers hand-fasting ceremonies, funeral ceremonies and free minister training.

As a long time member of ULC, Rev. Long created the seminary site to help train our ministers. We also have a huge selection of Universal Life Church  minister supplies. Since being ordained with the Universal Life Church for so many years and it's Seminary since the beginning, I've watch the huge change and growth that has continued to happen.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Metaphysical healing

Assignment: Number three Student: Rev. Dr. Edonna Alexandria Course: Metaphysical Healing ESOTERIC PHYSIOLOGY 1. Answer each of the following questions. a) Write a paragraph on the Human Aura:   The Human Aura is the protective invisible shield which surrounds the physical body,  it is composed of seven shields that span out around the body in an elliptical formation, much like the elliptical orbits that follow the path and rotations of the planets around the sun.  It provides protection to the body and allows information to flow through.  Information flows in and out, providing a two way communication system from the universe, immediate earth areas and the body. b) Why do we have subtle bodies?  We have these subtle bodies to: 1) protect our physical body. 2) Provide a communication system between the physical and spiritual words. c) Name the different energy systems.1) etheric, 2) Emotional, 3) Mental, 4) Astral, 5) Etheric template, 6) Celestial, 7) Ketheric, 8) Auric d) What is the function of auric fibers? The auric fibers provide protection to the physical body by picking up signals from our surroundings; Caution us ; vitalize our physical and subtle bodies with life force energy. e) where are the spinal nerves located? In the spinal cord. 2. Describe the Circulatory system in the physical. The circulatory system in the physical carries oxygen to the tissues and waste products away from.  It is the major transport system of the body involving the heart and blood. 3. Describe the Circulatory system of the Etheric.  It allows energy to be carried though the tissues physical body which assist the body in draining itself of negative etheric energy away from the body and into the auric field.  The auric energy field is a colorless like fluid which contains billions of cells that are excreted by the chakra system.  The auric cells circulate through the acupuncture meridians and exited the body along the auric cells by passing through the skin.  If this auric Sheath is damaged, the auric fluid will begin spilling out and experience in the physical body as exhaustion which will cause physical weakness. 4. Write a short paragraph on the Physical Aura. The personality of the human is created by the physical aura, which is contained in the physical body consisting of the etheric , emotional and cognitive bodies utilized to breath, think and feel. 5. What does the Etheric Body look like? It is similar to the blue/gray print of an architect.  It is an outline of the body much like that of a negative of a photograph.  It looks like the shadow of the physical body. 6. How does the Etheric body differ from the Emotional Body? The etheric body is lighter and more weightless compared to the body; additionally it creates the chakra system and is the first level where disease will reveal itself. 7. What are the main functions of the chakras? The main function of the chakra system is to vitalize and energize the body by transmitting energy through the blood system and to serve as a communication channel with the universal life force energies. 8. What is the color of the Astral Body? Rose Pink. 9. What function does the Astral Body serve? It serves as the mediator between the physical and spiritual aura, thus communicating between ourselves and the higher spiritual planes of consciousness 10. Why do we need a "silver cord"?  To keep us connected the astral body because without it the physical body could not exist.   When that cord is cut, our astral body leaves the physical body which dies, while the spiritual continues to live its immortal existence. 11. Describe the Spiritual Aura. The spiritual aura is the embodiment of the higher spiritual self which allows us to communicate with beings that exist on the higher spiritual planes of consciousness and awareness. 12. Complete this sentence: The Auric Sheath is extremely strong and is resistant to penetration and  protects the fields. 13. Where are the major chakras located externally? Along the outside of the endocrine system. 14. Name them and give the corresponding endocrine glands. The a. Crown--Pituitary b. Forehead--Pineal c. Throat--Thyroid d. Heart--Thymus e. Solar Plexus--Pancreas f. Sacral/Naval--Ovaries/Testes g. Base of Spine--Adrenals/Top of Kidneys ******************************* The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have classes in Christianity two courses in , Wicca, several in  Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more. I have been a proud member of the ULC for many years and the Seminary since its inception. The Universal Life Church offers handfasting ceremonies, funeral ceremonies and free minister training.   As a long time member of ULC, Rev. Long created the seminary site to help train our ministers. We also have a huge selection of Universal Life Church  minister supplies. Since being ordained with the Universal Life Church for so many years and it's Seminary since the beginning, I've watch the huge change and growth that has continued to happen.   Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Spirituality

Insights into Spiritual Awareness course By: Rev. Frank L Ducharme     Although I have read the book Celestine Prophecy some time ago and found it very inspiring, this course detailed step by step each insight that brings a new level of understanding. I have found this to be very enlightening and reaffirming to my practices and beliefs. I can say I have truly enjoyed this course and looked forward to each and every lesson. This course was not only a learning experience but a lesson of growth and development.     To slow down and put the habitual repetition of every day life aside for a moment and pay attention to the subtle signs that are easily missed. The signs and guidance are there we just need to open ourselves to see and accept them. We need to trust ourselves and trust what we feel and act upon what our instincts tell us not how we are conditioned to react. We must retrain ourselves not to get caught up in life's daily routines but to experience life and the world around us to better see all it has to offer.      There are times we should think of our selves but we must also think of how we all affect each other, How our own actions affect the others around us and future happenings. One action or reaction can affect so many and how others may act or react in future situations. Every conversation no matter how mundane it may seem hold a message and has meaning, We need to pay attention to every thing that takes place in our daily lives because some ware sometime it may have a greater meaning or a lesson we need to learn. One may see a particular situation as a bad experience but we needed it to take place for one reason or another to learn from and break the cycle.     I was born into a Roman Catholic home as was my father and grandparents, my mother however was raised protestant and had what I would say different views. Upon entering school I went to a private Catholic school from first grade to eight having religious classes on almost a daily bases. Some ware between fifth and sixth grade I started to realize the contradictions I was being taught and started questioning what the priest and nuns were saying and teaching and believe me that was not what you were suppose to do. Throughout my teenage years to early adult life I searched for a belief system that I could wrap my head around, something that made sense and I could wrap my head around. At almost thirty I began a serious study of Wicca and the Pagan ways and things began to make sense. It is a belief and an ever evolving practice that encompasses what I have felt for so much of my life and is a way of growing that does not restrict or control.      Whether we realize it or not all of us thrive on energy, Energy from the center of the universe. We as humans have ways of sucking that energy from one another, one such way is threw conflict and control. Those who constantly try to control every one they come in contact with, who dominates every conversation are generally insecure in one way or another. Some ware in there lives they are not in control at all and so every ware they go the may feel the need to control every aspect and by doing so they will suck the energy from every one they come in contact with. Another method of control is seen threw conflict, some people feel or believe they can only gain power and control threw conflict and manage to drain the life power from others until there is nothing left. Once you realize that you don't have to control others to get the power you require, that by fowling the principles of the insights you get all the power you need naturally life become so much simpler and easier to navigate, you can be truly happy and at ease.      Once we realize that the energy we thrive on can be obtained from some ware other than the people around us, that the universe itself has all we need and its there for the taking we just need to learn how to accept it. We need to take care of our selves by diet and exercise, and slow down a bit to enjoy the sights sounds and savor the tastes that we encounter on a daily basis. Through meditation and relaxation we can relieve the daily stress and focus on the positive energy. For if we can put forth positive energy and keep a positive attitude then we can affect everyone we encounter in a positive way and keep the positive flow of energy flowing around us. We also need to pay attention to each and every interaction we have on a moment by moment basis to see and realize what each conversation means, what message is their for us. Every experience we have on a moment by moment basis happens for a reason, we need to pay attention and learn from our experiences in order to evolve into a higher being. If we can affect more and more people we encounter with positive energy and a positive attitude and teach them to do the same, imagine the ripple effect it can have on society and how the world could change.     We are all here on earth for a purpose, to experience everything that occurs throughout our lives for a reason. To encounter everyone we meet in our lifetime on purpose, there are no chance encounters or coincidences we actually chose our entire life's journey at the moment of birth. We choose our parents and family and friends to shape our life's experiences so we could learn and feel what we needed in order to evolve to the next level for the next time around. Each life we choose what we need to experience in order to learn from those encounters. Each and every time we choose what we need in order to proceed for the next time we are born. When we succeed in learning what we need we will then advance to the next level of existence.     At this point in our history, we are not yet at the point of soaring as the eagle, but rather we are still caught up in the good versus evil. Our world is in chaos. Our leaders are ineffectual, religion has lost its purpose and that a great transformation is nearing. The transformation is not the result of a mythical "second coming," but rather must stem from the higher thoughts of man; a man that reconnects mentally with the center of all that is in order to break our cycle of destruction and ignorance. The time is getting close and, as the Hopi have said, "it is we who we have been waiting for." Higher human consciousness is attempting to break, alter, or change the current cycle.  A cycle filled with ruinous dogma, fear, greed and confusion. Humanity is approaching a moment in time where he can consciously choose his next evolutionary step.   A great vibratory train is headed straight for us and that we must choose to either stay in its way or to get off of the track. If there is disaster, it will be because we stayed on the track. As with Nostradamus, the Book of Revelations and other prophecies, we are given the tools, in the form of a largely pictorial code, to raise our awareness, our vibration and our very nature above the 'slings and arrows of outrageous fortune.' It is time to look deeply into the tools and images that been offered as a gift to our time and learn the true revelation of their inner meanings.    "The return of the Goddess and all of her wisdom."     Once we transform into multisensory beings we will then see the beauty in everything and everyone. We can then look past the inabilities and disabilities and see the true abilities and potential. To recognize our intuitions and senses and true abilities and trust out gut feelings to guide us. Prophecy, telepathy, and clairvoyance will be accepted and taught as the norm. We will then be whole again.        The methods and activities set forth in this course are not necessarily a new concept but very important for awareness and self growth, and so simple. It is so very easy to get caught up in life's challenges and the daily routine, one needs to take the time for yourself ; reflect and keep in touch with the energy around us. Everything we need to continue growing and evolving is their we just need to recognize and utilize it.   Blessed be to all Frank L Ducharme ******************** Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free,  and lasts for life, so use the Free Online Ordination, button. As a long time member of ULC, Rev. Long created the seminary site to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church  materials.  I've been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's since the beginning and have loved watching the continual growth of the seminary. Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Spiritual Development

Doctor of Spiritual Development Essay by Janus Carson   I found the course to be most enlightening. I especially liked the way Doctor Crouch incorporated NLP techniques as a vehicle to promote spiritual development. As I have had some studies in NLP this program is refreshingly easy to follow. Dr. Crouch covered many excellent points and this course has helped greatly in my personal growth.  Surprisingly, One of the most powerful techniques I found was to ask myself who/what am I, really? I found myself returning more and more to this seemingly simple question, Meditating at times for hours. The layers of false self began to peel quickly at first, with little emotional attachment. After a few weeks I began to peel off some very painful layers however, once past the layer it was gone. I am now within the mind of my higher self and still peeling layers. This has been a very liberating experience for me. Another side effect from the self-inquiry is a calm, peaceful demeanor. I have much more energy and have begun to have prophetic dreams. I have now begun to think much more often in relation to what I desire and my life has improved immensely.    I attracted all the information I needed to learn Hypnosis Therapy. I then attracted enough clients to pay for my school and certification as a Clinical Hypnotherapist (C.HT). I am now in the process of building my business with focused concentration, meditation and visualization. Thanks to Dr Crouch and the reviews of Magick chapters I feel as though every moment is a magickal working and life keeps getting better every day. Negative events no longer have a negative hold on me, I realize that my response controls the outcome. I am in control of my emotional, mental and physical body. I live my life noticing the good and lending my energy to that. Life is becoming brighter every day. Thank you; ~Janus Carson C.HT.~ True Mind Hypnosis ******************************************** To ordain yourself with the Universal Life Church, for free, for life, right now, click on the Free Online Ordination link. Rev. Long created the ULC seminary site to help ministers learn and grow their ministries. The Seminary offers a huge catalog of materials for ministers of the Universal Life Church, as well as an online seminary program and a chaplaincy program.

Spirituality

UNIVERSAL LIFE CHURCH SEMINARY Defining Spirituality Course Rev. Chuck final essay The most fascinating part of this course was the discussion of god/God as an ever maturing entity.   That was a completely new concept to me and one I rather enjoyed pondering.  The multi-discipline approach (science, philosophy, etc.) was also unique from other presentations so that too was quite refreshing. The teacher had a great capacity to present complex ideas in common parlance.  He also demonstrated considerably more than a passing understanding of the verifiable material presented. The romp through science was a great start to this course and I found the physics-lite portion of particular interest.    I wish I had bumped into some of these concepts when in college, as the material was the same, however this rendering was far more interesting. The section on Marx too was particularly interesting.  Again, the history was not new per se but the context in which it was placed allowed me to widen my understanding and for that I am grateful.  Early on I surmised that the teacher of this course has (in the past or currently) a Christian point of view.   Not a denominational affiliation - but an understanding of life's purpose and a relationship with God that aligns most often and most closely to my understanding of that shared by most Christians.    He does not state that - but that is my take away.    If correct, that point of view cannot help but color the lens and/or filter of his understanding. He makes every effort to be objective and certainly at every point is sensitive and accepting of other points of view as being of worth.    For that, I am grateful.   If that is his belief, there is no harm in sharing that fact directly. The last lesson in this course was a gutsy, personal and touching.   It has an impact.    Perhaps even a positive impact.    While it is not inappropriate in the context of this course - a more objective and less personal ending would have suited me better.    Classroom work is different from spiritual testimony and in a classroom setting one does not expect such a personal account. It is NOT a negative but it is a startling conclusion to a course that begins with science, traces the philosophers throughout the centuries and ends denoting the limitations of religion on personal growth. One final point in summation, I very much appreciated the condensed, clear and intelligent presentation of the materials and would encourage Rev. Chuck to offer a follow up course. ********************** Ordination with the Free Online Ordination button. The  ULC, run by Rev. Long, has created a chaplaincy program to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials.  I've been ordained with Seminary since the beginning and have loved watching the continual growth of the seminary. Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Metaphysical Healing

Metaphysical Healing

I am glad to be at the ending of a new beginning, by taking this course.  It has been a wonderful learning journey.  What I most enjoyed about taking the course was the many references that were made to traditional African healing modalities.  I felt it reconnected me back to a portion of myself.  This was the riches portion of the course for it connects to a long line of ancestral healers.  Learning about how to heal myself, has proved to be a wonderful healing tool.  On several occasions during this course I have used the tools and found them to be very effective. 

 I have always had the gift of healing myself, but I now have more confidence than ever in my ability to heal.  I also learned about the different roles of traditional healers and how they rebuild relationships within physical and spiritual communities and how they utilize herbs, seawater and other tools for healing.  Additionally, I learned about the different body systems, and how they are connected to the meridians and chakra systems.  This vast and sometimes complicated knowledge was broken down into simple understandable components that enriched my knowledge of the body.  

Before going into a healing session it is important that one has been thoroughly cleansed and spiritually aligned and in tuned so they can be an effective, cleansed and open vessel to receive assistance from the spirit world, this would also apply to both physically present healing sessions or distant healing sessions. Conducing healing sessions requires one to be able to use various induction methods that are dependent on the personality of the client. I also learned how to go about lining with my client, and what professional office procedures to use for patient intake, follow up and develop a system of accurate record keeping.  Not only did I learn how to address the physical illnesses of the body, but also how to address spiritual issues, such as how to do soul retrievals, and perform spiritual baths, facials, etc that can aid in the spiritual and physical healing of a patient.  

I thought the course was through in its content and it is up to the student to study and practice the lessons in order to become an effective spiritual and metaphysical healer.  I would have like to receive more information on how to set up a office and healing practice.  I am thankful for this course and realize it is time for me to begin to use it as a practice.   Just recently I lost my job and am feeling a strong call to begin to do my spiritual work full time as a method of earning an income.  Thank you for the years of toll, strife, joy, success and spiritual growth that you have been given to be able to gift others with the knowledge to do the work of spirit. I am sending much light your way, for having made my path brighter, and for validating the work of spirit in my life.

             May the spirit of creation continue to bless you in all your endeavors to maintain this ancient traditional practice.

Rev. Dr. Edonna Alexandria

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Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free,  and lasts for life, so use the Free Online Ordination, button.

As a long time member of ULC, Rev. Long created the seminary site to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials.  I've been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since the beginning and have loved watching the continual growth of the seminary.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Spirituality Course

DEFINING SPIRITUALITY

I was very pleased that the first lesson recognized that there is a re-emergence of Spirituality, even now, within the current trend towards materialism that has been increasing over the last century.  I was additionally pleased that the author has recognized that many people have moved beyond "traditional religion" in their Spiritual Lives.

I put quotes around the phrase "traditional religion" because anthropology and history have revealed that over the thousands of years of human history people have held so many different religions and religious practices that it is impossible to call any one of them "traditional". Among all cultures there are records of those who have gone beyond their traditions.  It is these individuals who are held as the shining lights of their cultures.

Nevertheless, the drive towards spirituality has moved within humanity even longer and more universally throughout all cultures than any specific religion.  This becomes clear when we look at the most ancient of the Shamanistic traditions.  It is clear that Spirituality moved within the human heart from the beginning and that at first, religions formed naturally as a way for people to try and make sense of the spiritual experiences they were having.

Unfortunately, some denominations devolved to become only concerned with bureaucracy and cash flow.  As a method of revitalizing the Spiritual core of the human experience, Philosophy became a study.  The author has given us an excellent review of some of the key 'moments" in the history of philosophy.  But, these ideas are presented as if they had up sprung in a vacuum.  There has been no discussion of the religious ideas and historical events that were occurring at the same time and in many cases were the impetus for the philosophical explorations (such events as war, the Spanish Inquisition, the exploitation of the poor, etc.).  Never the less, the presentation has been extremely impressive and parallels my own studies.  I addition to the author's observation that "…mysticism was recognized by science as being the ultimate truth of all things" (Lesson #3) a quote was discovered by a prominent physicist who, after studying the nature of matter for a lifetime, concluded that the Universe is a thought in the Mind of God.

What is Philosophy?  For simplicity's sake, let us say that a philosophy is a set of guiding principles.  In this regard then, we can say that all religions have a philosophy, but, not all philosophies are religions.  Also, in this regard, Philosophy is not necessarily antithetical to either Religion or Spirituality and in many instances has illuminated many aspects of both.  As a mental exercise, philosophy has illuminated the minds of many who have then gone on to achieve profound levels of Spirituality.

Many groups have recognized Spirituality as the core of their culture and have indicated this realization in their symbolism.  In the West, the rose and in Egypt and the East, the lotus is used to illuminate this idea.

In this symbol each flower is a life and each unfolding pedal is an experience, a lesson learned, knowledge acquired or a skill mastered.  As our life unfolds the golden Spiritual core is gradually revealed.  What is also revealed is that, whether we were aware of it or not, the Spiritual was always there in the center of things.

Whomever we are counseling or teaching or ministering, whether they consider themselves religious or not, still have within them that Golden Heart of Spirituality.  Knowing this can enhance our effectiveness if we seek to speak to that core.  Each group has a vocabulary with which they are most comfortable and the first rule of communication is 'know your audience'.

With that in mind I would like to add to the discussion of the definition of the word 'sin' on the last page of lesson #18.  Originally the word was an archery term that means 'missing the bull' (bull's eye).  Far too many use the word to mean 'shooting arrows up into the grand stand', when it fact we are hitting the target but we just need more training.

Adding the above meaning to our understanding may allow us to use more kindness and thoughtfulness into our ministries, it has in mine.

Thank you for the opportunity to study this course with everyone.  I am always grateful for the opportunity to achieve greater understanding.

Again, thank you and Blessings upon all.

Rev Dr Kenneth A Thompson DD PhD

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The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have classes in Christianity, Wicca, Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more.

Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free,  and lasts for life, so use the Free Online Ordination, button.

The  ULC, run by Rev. Long, has created a chaplaincy program to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials.  I've been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since the beginning and have loved watching the continual growth of the seminary.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Metaphysical Healing

Master of Metaphysical Healing

Final Essay

We need to integrate all of ourselves into all of ourselves!

In the holistic healing approach the spirit of the individual is considered pure. The balance of energy is vital for holistic healing, as the individual is viewed as an organic whole with mental physical, emotional and spiritual aspects actively contributing to the state of health or illness. Imbalance of any sort in the body, mind and soul causes disconnection and distortion of energies. To attain harmonious whole personhood, the working energy of body, mind and spirit must be correctly realigned and balanced. Healing can bring balance between the physical, emotional, cognitive, behavioural activities, and the spirit; through spiritual awareness and self-knowledge. Knowing who we are, as well as understanding how we are interconnected with the universe and with each other creates the life force energy necessary for restoration and spontaneous healing.  Therefore the concept is to provide an opportunity to rediscover this space and to explore and develop specific interactive skills, knowledge and competency, within metaphysical healing. 

There is a lot more to healing than physical symptoms, as many illnesses are a result of emotional and mental energetic imbalance.  Healing can be used to stimulate and revitalise the whole being using vibrational energy.  It improves the quality of life and has no side effects.  Although the medical profession is skeptical there has been a massive shift in consciousness and the government is now giving holistic healing a place alongside Western medicine.  Healers are channels who absorb healing energy which is sent through the hands as positive energy into the client.  Traditional Priestesses and Priests healed way before 'doctor' was an established profession.  Healers are highly trained, qualified and professional people who undergo years of training to be in private practice.  Research proves that healing is a potent therapy that delves deep into a person's being.  However, healers do not 'diagnose' they 'observe' problem areas.  If Western Science took metaphysical healing approaches seriously there could be a huge impact on medical costs and patients.  It can cut medical costs and utilise the power of the mind to heal itself.  It is important to recognise that medical intervention is necessary sometimes and that self-administered care speeds up recovery, as a broken bone cannot be fixed by the mind alone. 

We can reclaim and heal ourselves by understanding our purpose in life and living it. In doing so we find opportunities to create balance and uncover the universal truth-'know thyself', an essential tool for healing and embracing the true oneness of the universe. The holistic healing approach views therapy not as a 'cure to crisis', but as support on the journey. Crises are not seen as problems, but as stepping stones for spiritual emergence and growth. Holistic healing builds on traditional theories, as well as recognising and accessing higher consciousness through such tools as meditation, imagery, metaphor, visualisation, creative arts, awareness, intuition and inner attunement. Within all of us is a space that holds our potential, our aspirations and dreams. It is the space that we enter for strength and stillness; it is from this space that healing comes. Within this space is our future, pain and healing.

I have thoroughly enjoyed this course and feel ready to go out there and heal with my hands.  Thank you for this wonderful opportunity to finally know myself and have the confidence to share my calling with the world. 

Rev. Yemaja-Ixchel Sophia Sekhmet-Maat

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Spirituality Course

Master of Spiritualism

Rev. James Connor

I found these lessons most enlightening especially the Faith and Learning chapters. A number of years ago I met a man named Walter. He was close in age to me but he seemed to have a lot of knowledge about human nature, faith and wisdom.

It was a time in my life when I was questioning my own faith in God so I began to watch this man and how he handled different situations. One day he was ministering to another man who was acting very belligerent, self-centered and just plain obnoxious. After the conversation ended between them, the man who was angry left in a huff. I then walked over to my friend and asked, "How could you let him talk to you like that?" "If it was me I would have hauled off and punched him in the face." My friend, Walter replied saying,"Well he must have convinced himself that he was right and I was wrong".Walter then asked me if I knew that the spirit of God is in all of us and that is what needs to be expressed in our every day living.

He then continued to say, let the Lord find expression through you in love and forgiveness. Otherwise nothing will ever change in this war torn world unless the Lord finds expression through each one of us, through you Jim, through me and everyone else. Then the Lord will not be "missing in action". He will be right here on earth because we make it so by our every day expression of good faith in everything we say and do. When deep down in your heart you want to see peace on earth, then you are not concerned if someone else thinks they have gotten "the best of you". Let the Lord express through you and me, then things will change and we can truly love our neighbor as ourselves.

So to summarize: I did put the Lord in action through me and lo and behold, my expression did change and so did my whole life experience. I stopped judging people and started to handle different situations with love and forgiveness. It wasn't long after that previous episode occurred that the fruits of my labor of controlling myself first, then I could really let God do his work on earth through me. Only when I was ready did I make the decision that now is the time to know the Lord.

Rev. James Connor

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The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have classes in Christianity, Wicca, Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more. I have been a proud member of the ULC for many years and the Seminary since its inception.

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As a long time member of ULC, Rev. Long created the seminary site to help train our ministers. We also have a huge selection of Universal Life Church  minister supplies. Since being ordained with the Universal Life Church for so many years and it's Seminary since the beginning, I've watch the huge change and growth that has continued to happen.

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Metaphysical Healing

Final Essay Master of Metaphysical Healing Rev. Robert Gill This course is informative and interesting on several different levels.  On a superficial level, it describes the practices of traditional African healers, with a particular focus on South African practices.  While this is interesting and educational in and of itself, it is only the first level of understanding.  A much deeper understanding comes with the realization that the healing practices being described are universal in their cope and impact.  The healing practices described are common to many different healing traditions, including shamanic practices found in native cultures around the world, and are not limited to those cultures described by the author.  Thus, this course has a much broader reach and applicability than would be evident to the casual reader. I found the recognition of the importance of the human energy field to be especially significant.  As a Reiki Master Teacher, I deal with human energy fields in both clinical and classroom settings.  I understand and accept the importance of achieving and maintaining balance in the energy field – my own as well as others.  My own experience validates the importance of the human energy field in healing illness and sustaining a healthy life.  Many of the lessons were familiar to me, but several of the lessons introduced concepts I was not familiar with, as well as new approaches that I have adopted and adapted in my own healing practice. Perhaps the most important lesson for me was the final lesson which discussed the recognition and regulation of traditional healing practices in South Africa.  We are a long way from that step in America and much of the world, but I believe we are moving in that direction.  This is much more than a human interest or technical issue in America, but is bound up in the interplay of cultural and political forces in our society.  There is no simple answer, and it is likely that any solution will bring with it another set of problems dealing with what should be considered legitimate healing practice.  My answer is that all healing practices must be based on faith and belief in its efficacy, and none should be rejected simply because they are not broadly accepted. Rev. Robert Gill ******************** Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free,  and lasts for life, so use the Free Online Ordination, button. As a long time member of ULC, Rev. Long created the seminary site to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials.  I've been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since the beginning and have loved watching the continual growth of the seminary. Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar